Manning headlines night of stars at football banquet

Archie Manning visits Jackson for Blitz 16 gala

As Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum Executive Director Rick Cleveland put it, the patriarch of the first family of football was in Jackson on Tuesday night.

Archie Manning, former Ole Miss and New Orleans Saints legendary quarterback, was the guest speaker at the end of year BankPlus Blitz 16 All-Metro Football Banquet.

Manning still works a demanding schedule as a football analyst and guest speaker but the decision to come to Jackson was an easy sell.

"I just think high school football is a great institution and I know how passionate people in the Jackson area are about it," said Manning, a College Football Hall of Fame inductee and former NFL All-Pro. "I commend Blitz and (Channel) 16 for their involvement, so I'm glad to be here."

Sonic Play of the Year: Ryan Cothern, Tri-County Academy. 5-yard game-winning touchdown run in overtime of the MAIS A state title game.